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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard Blog Tour + giveaway!


Susan Dennard is a valued friend and an amazing author. I was beyond excited to find out that I would be able to participate in this blog tour on behalf of Tynga's Reviews. Thank you so much for the opportunity!

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A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan DennardA Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

Book stats:
Reading Level: Young Adult
ARC: 406 pages
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 23, 2013

Series: Something Strange and Deadly #2

Source: From Publisher for Blog Tour

Reviewed by: Lili

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.

And to think that I thought book one was amazing. Book two was absolutely marvelous! Set in beautiful Paris, Dennard found ways to make this novel dark and compelling and impossible to put down! Now, let me go get on my knees and grovel for book three.

What continuously impresses me is Dennard's writing style. She puts such great emphasis on detail that I felt as if I was actually transported to Paris. I've never been to Paris, but I can certainly say I am dying to go. She was also able to drill the importance of etiquette during this time period into the readers, as made evident by Daniel's struggle with speaking using words that were never before in his vocabulary. It was rather entertaining, watching him catch his words because he reverts back to his usual self around Eleanor since they always bring out the best in each other. Both the writing and the historical aspect of this novel were spot on.

And then there's Eleanor. I really enjoyed how she grew. Doubly stubborn and ten times more assertive, she's even more sassy and witty, though committed and loyal. I loved her downright rebellious nature that began with her refusal to wear corsets ever again. But see, she's battling a darkness inside her, one that's both strange and entirely lovely and it's turning her world upside down. This internal battle between right and wrong, what she wants and what other wants, expectation versus reality was rather enticing and I enjoyed it immensely.

The other characters were amazing as always and now wear some battle wounds. And, somehow in some unbelievable way, Daniel became even more perfect, but what I really enjoyed was the emergence of a new character: Oliver. He was odd and intriguing and I very much enjoyed watching his friendship with Eleanor progress. They certainly do have a unique bond, but his ulterior motives were rather annoying at times. Then again, they kept me on my toes and kept me focused. If a character is equal parts annoying and completely riveting, you know you're doing something right!

But, I do have one tiny complaint, and that's the fact that I figured out the nefarious demon that is raising Les Morts in the City of Light rather quickly. And, in truth, Eleanor figured it out rather quickly too, she just didn't realize it. There were so many plot twists, but this one was glaringly obvious to me and I so wish it was not because that is what made this book just short of absolute perfection in my eyes. I mean, this book has ten times more amazing zombie scenes, more blood, more rituals and sacrifices and magic. It has more plot twists and unseen problems. It is way darker because of the addition of demons to the tale, but the biggest twist of all was the only one that I could predict. A bummer in that sense.

Absolutely dark and delicious, I could not put this one down. Dennard possesses the talent to captivate us so much so that a 400+ page book seems to fly by. I am eagerly awaiting the final book in the trilogy that has the promises of some potential romance, new discoveries, and a final showdown that may beat all other final showdowns.

Susan Dennard, you own my newly emerged zombie-loving heart.

Read an Excerpt

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giveaway

There is a tour-wide giveaway. There will be 10 winners total and the prizes are…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

disclaimer_thumb[2]

I'm a 18 year old from a small town in New Jersey that's a newcomer to the book blogging world. Because I am an incoming senior in high school the closest thing that I have to a job is being a volunteer at the town library, so I spend most of my time reading and persuading my parents to let me buy more books!

Follow Lili on: Lili's Reflections | Twitter

18 People left their mark' :

  1. I can't wait to start this series!!! It sounds so amazing!

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    1. It is my absolute FAVORITE when it comes to zombies or anything. The historical aspect of it is great too. I love Dennard's writing so much, flows so quickly <3 Pick it up, Dana!

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  2. I LOVE this series! A Dawn Most Wicked was absolutely amazing! <3 Daniel! Can't wait for A Darkness Strange and Lovely :)

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  3. I've been hearing so much about this series! I can't wait to get it and start reading :)

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  4. I've heard so much about Susan Dennard's beautiful writing. I love when a book makes a story and characters come to life. I own a copy of Dennard's Something Strange and Deadly and really need to get on it!!

    Great review, Lili!
    Kris @Imaginary Reads

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  5. Well, Lili, this series looks really good
    I love zombies, everything about them, and i really want to read every single book about them.
    But I am currently in senior year, and the studying is really tough, so I might read this one sometime soon
    Your reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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  6. I cannot wait for this book! I read the first book right after it came out and have been (im)patiently awaiting the second!

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  7. It's great when a second book is as good as or even better than the first book!!!!

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  8. Really looking forward to reading this series! I've heard GREAT things!

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  9. I just bought th first book in this series today! Can't wait to read it. The covers are beautiful.

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  10. I think this sounds like a fantastic series and I've been meaning to pick up the first book for a while now. I'm looking forward to getting started on the series.

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  11. Ooh this book and series are sounding like they're awesome! I will be adding to my TBR stack.
    Thanks :-)

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  12. Sounds like an amazing series!!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  13. I've been wanting to read these books for a long time. They sound so good! :D Thanks for the giveaway!

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  14. This series is going on my wish list. Great giveaway!

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  15. Zombies PLUS historical fiction? Talk about a fresh twist! I haven't had a chance to dive into this series yet, but anything that can immerse the reader in an exotic setting, educate them about the culture and manners of the time AND include some paranormal activity sounds great to me.

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  16. I cannot wait to read this! I absolutely loved the first book and I'm glad to see the second one is just as good or better : )

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  17. I haven't actually read these books before but I really hope to start reading them soon because I hear so many great things! It sounds very unique and the covers are gorgeous <3

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